Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is one of the most difficult cancers to detect in its early stages. Its growth is usually slow, but by the time symptoms become apparent, it is often already in an advanced stage, which complicates treatment and reduces the chances of survival.
This type of cancer can develop over several years. Even before a malignant tumor appears, precancerous changes in the stomach lining can occur, which usually don’t cause symptoms, making early diagnosis difficult.
Types of gastric cancer
There are different types of stomach cancer, classified according to the type of cells from which they originate:
Adenocarcinoma: Accounts for approximately 95% of cases. It develops in the cells of the mucosa, the innermost layer of the stomach. It is the most common type and is usually diagnosed in more advanced stages.
Lymphoma : Although less common, some lymphomas can develop in the stomach wall. These are tumors of the immune system, and their prognosis varies depending on the type.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs): These arise from the interstitial cells of Cajal, located in the stomach wall. They can be benign or malignant and are considered rare tumors.
Carcinoid tumors: These form from hormone-producing cells in the stomach. In most cases, these tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of stomach cancer
In the early stages, the signs of gastric cancer can easily be confused with common digestive problems. Some of the initial symptoms include:
- Stomach upset or indigestion.
- Feeling of fullness after eating.
- Mild nausea.
- Lack of appetite.
- Burning in the stomach.
As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and may include:
- Persistent abdominal pain.
- Weight loss without an apparent cause.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Presence of blood in the stool.
- Frequent vomiting.
- Yellowing of eyes and skin (jaundice).
- Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
Known cases: public figures who died from gastric cancer
Several prominent figures have lost their lives to stomach cancer, which has helped raise public awareness of the disease:
Juan Pablo Adame: A 38-year-old Mexican politician, he died on December 5, 2023, after a more than a year-long battle with gastric cancer. He shared on social media: “I have cancer. I’ve felt pain in my stomach for months, and after many tests, we finally got the correct diagnosis.”
Paula Durán: A Colombian citizen whose story moved the world. She died in January 2023 after her family applied for a humanitarian visa to accompany her to the United States. The diagnosis came during her third pregnancy; the disease rapidly progressed to a metastatic state.
Nara Almeida: Brazilian influencer who documented her battle with gastric cancer on social media since March 2017. At just 24 years old, she died in May 2018 after months of treatment, hospitalizations, and public displays of affection from her partner and followers.